Neck Pain

Dr. Schueler and the Symptom Checker

Stephen Schueler, MD, is an emergency physician, teacher, and author. Although he designed the Symptom Checker to feel like a real emergency room intake interview, it is a computer program and not a live doctor. Its recommendations should not be used as a basis for delaying, or as a substitute for, evaluation and treatment by a physician. Get more information.

Information About Neck Pain

Neck Pain

A person with neck pain has discomfort in one of the structures of the neck. Neck pain may be caused by injury, inflammation, or infection. Common causes of neck pain include muscle strains and muscle spasms. Additional causes of neck pain include infections of the neck, arthritis of the spine, and a herniated disk.

Neck Pain Symptoms

Symptoms that may occur with neck pain include neck tenderness, neck muscle spasm, and neck stiffness. Symptoms associated with serious causes of neck pain include arm weakness, leg weakness, arm numbness, leg numbness, loss of bladder control, loss of bowel control, and an inability to walk. Additional symptoms that may occur with an infection of the neck include neck swelling, skin redness, fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and swollen glands in the neck.

Neck Pain Treatment

Treatment for neck pain depends on the underlying cause. Treatment for neck pain may include rest, cold or warm compresses, a cervical collar, narcotic pain medications, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and muscle relaxants. Neck pain due to an infection may require antibiotics. Surgery may be required to treat serious causes of neck pain.

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